The 50 Non-Fiction Books You Need in Your Homeschool Right Now - and How to Use Them in Your Home Education
One of the best parts of homeschooling is the freedom to follow your child’s curiosity and tailor learning at home to fit their passions and interests.
And if you're anything like me, you're always on the lookout for books that do more than just fill in the blanks.
You want books that spark wonder, invite questions, and make learning feel like an adventure. That’s where great non-fiction comes in.
Whether your kids are obsessed with space, fascinated by animals, or curious about how their own bodies work, the right book can bring those subjects to life in a way that sticks.
Read on for our pick of the best, and often the most beautiful, 50 non-fiction books you need in your homeschool right now.
Below I’ve put together a list of 50 amazing non-fiction books for homeschoolers that you can grab on Amazon right now.
These aren’t your average dusty textbooks - they’re engaging, beautifully illustrated, and packed with facts your kids will actually want to learn.
Perfect for adding depth to your homeschool curriculum or just feeding those little minds during quiet reading time.
Trust me, these are the kind of books your kids won’t want to put down!
If you lean towards the Charlotte Mason philosophy, or just love the idea of learning through rich, meaningful stories, you’ll be happy to know that many of these non-fiction titles read just like living books.
They’re not dry or textbook-ish, they’re written in a narrative style that draws kids in and helps them connect with the subject matter on a deeper level.
In true Charlotte Mason fashion, they ignite the imagination while still delivering solid facts and concepts.
If you want to add even more of a 'living books' flair, try pairing these non-fiction gems with nature walks, science journals, art projects or simple narration exercises.
After reading about the solar system, sketch the planets in a notebook.
Reading about animal habitats? Build a little one in your backyard, or take a trip to a local nature centre to see animal homes in real life and sketch them in your nature journal.
(You'll find more Charlotte Mason inspired ideas at the bottom of the book list.)
These books become even more powerful when they’re part of a rhythm of discovery - books, experiences, and conversations all woven together.
That’s where the real magic of homeschooling happens!
The 50 Non-Fiction Books You Need in Your Homeschool Right Now
Incorporating these non-fiction books into your homeschool curriculum can greatly enhance your child's learning experience.
Each book offers a unique perspective and depth of information, catering to various interests and educational needs.
By selecting engaging and informative resources, you can foster a love of learning and curiosity in your children that will last a lifetime.
On to the books...
Just click on the pink writing to read more or purchase.
Animalium offers a museum-like experience, presenting the animal kingdom in stunning detail. With intricate illustrations and informative text, it's a must-have for budding zoologists.
Dive into the depths of the ocean with this beautifully illustrated book that introduces children to the wonders of marine life.
This concertina-style book takes readers on a journey from the Earth's surface to the far reaches of space, exploring the layers of the atmosphere and beyond.
An inviting look at the creative ways people build homes around the world, celebrating cultural diversity, architectural ingenuity, and the beautiful connection between shelter and environment.
Explore the natural world through this beautifully designed book that covers a wide range of topics, from minerals to animals.
Travel through the ages on one changing street, as this richly illustrated timeline reveals how everyday life, buildings, and communities have evolved from the Stone Age to today.
Discover the fascinating world of mammals with this engaging book that features a variety of creatures, from the familiar to the exotic.
This book introduces children to the diverse world of birds, showcasing different species and their unique characteristics.
OK, we're a bit obsessed with these books, but with good reason, they're so inspiring for kids - and their grown-ups!
A vibrant celebration of flowers, this book combines art and science to teach children about the plant kingdom.
A stunning, photo-rich encyclopedia that brings the plant world to life with fascinating facts, detailed visuals, and an engaging layout perfect for curious young botanists.
Explore the layers of the Earth in this innovative book that takes readers from the sidewalk down to the Earth's core.
Dive into the ocean's depths with this book that explores marine ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit them.
(Yep, another series we are obsessed with! These are amazing for opening up new rabbit trails and adding new questions to our question wall.)
A bold and visually stunning encyclopedia that brings the animal kingdom to life with vivid photography, fascinating facts, and clear explanations - perfect for inspiring curiosity in young zoologists.
A visual feast of the plant kingdom, this book offers detailed illustrations and information about various plant species.
Delve into the fascinating world of fungi with this beautifully illustrated book that covers everything from mushrooms to molds.
An engaging collection of river-themed tales from around the world, this beautifully illustrated book weaves together myths, legends, and cultural traditions that celebrate the life-giving power of rivers.
An awe-inspiring, visually rich encyclopedia that brings the prehistoric world to life with stunning 3D-style images and fascinating facts - perfect for dino-loving kids who want to explore Earth’s ancient giants up close.
A breathtaking dive into the wonders of the sea, this vibrant encyclopedia blends stunning photography with engaging facts to help children explore marine life, ocean science, and the mysteries beneath the waves.
A visually captivating guide to the wonders of science, this encyclopedia covers everything from atoms to outer space with clear explanations and dynamic images that spark curiosity in young learners.
A richly illustrated timeline of global history that helps children see the big picture - connecting events, cultures, and innovations across time in a clear, engaging way.
A vibrant, fact-packed guide that brings our planet to life - exploring landscapes, climates, people, and places through stunning visuals and easy-to-understand explanations that inspire global curiosity.
A thoughtful and beautifully illustrated introduction to the beliefs, traditions, and histories of the world’s major religions, encouraging respect, understanding, and curiosity in young learners.
A beautifully photographed and accessible guide to rocks, minerals, and prehistoric treasures - perfect for budding geologists who want to explore Earth’s hidden wonders up close.
A celebration of trailblazing women in science, this book features profiles, timelines, and facts - all beautifully illustrated.
This oversized book is a visual delight with detailed maps filled with fun facts about different cultures, animals, and landmarks.
A beginner-friendly deep dive into plant biology, perfect for younger learners curious about how flowers grow and function, as well as lots of other science questions.
A charmingly illustrated exploration of the natural world - from moss to mammals - with sketches and handwritten notes.
N.B. Beware if in other parts of the world, this one is quite US-centric.
This follow-up to Nature Anatomy explores marine ecosystems around the world with approachable diagrams, facts, and beautiful visuals.
This updated classic explains how machines work using clever illustrations and real-world examples.
A beautifully illustrated journey exploring the vibrant life both above and beneath a pond’s surface, sparking curiosity and wonder about the hidden world in nature’s waters.
A visually stunning exploration of our planet’s natural wonders, weather, landforms, and ecosystems, designed to inspire awe and curiosity in young learners eager to understand the world around them.
An eye-catching visual guide to the periodic table with stunning photos and easy-to-understand facts.
A fascinating, eye-opening look at the diverse foods families around the globe eat in a week, offering children a vivid glimpse into culture, tradition, and daily life through powerful photographs and stories.
A lyrical and beautifully illustrated look at seeds, combining poetry with botany. Perfect for seeds week or a plants unit study.
A beautifully curated collection showcasing stunning illustrations and fascinating stories of the world’s most captivating birds, perfect for inspiring young bird lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Step inside this captivating “museum” of insects, where detailed illustrations and fascinating facts bring to life the incredible diversity, behavior, and importance of these tiny yet mighty creatures.
Travel through a colorful atlas of the U.S., with state facts, historical events, and famous figures from each region.
A lyrical, beautifully illustrated look at the hidden world of a garden through the seasons—revealing the quiet teamwork between plants, people, and the busy creatures working just beneath the soil.
Explore global architecture and cultural history through intricately cut-paper artwork and historical insights. A delightful exploration of unique homes around the globe, this book invites children to imagine life in diverse cultures while learning about architecture, geography, and daily life.
An artistic, comprehensive atlas that encourages cultural understanding, paired with interactive online features.
Focusing on children’s lives around the globe, this book aligns with the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child.
A lift-the-flap introduction to human biology, perfect for younger children interested in how their bodies work, but also a good quick reference guide for older kids.
A richly illustrated, story-style timeline of world history that guides children through ancient civilizations to the modern day with clarity and visual appeal.
A globe-trotting journey through prehistoric lands, this beautifully illustrated atlas introduces young dino lovers to fascinating species, fossil sites, and ancient ecosystems from around the world.
A vibrant, fact-filled introduction to the fascinating world of birds, this encyclopedia blends stunning photography with accessible science to help young readers explore feathers, flight, habitats, and more.
A dazzling visual journey through the cosmos, this encyclopedia invites young astronomers to explore stars, planets, galaxies, and space technology with stunning 3D images and easy-to-understand explanations.
Follow the journey of a river from its source to the sea, learning about the landscapes and wildlife it encounters along the way.
A visually dynamic atlas of world history, this book maps key moments across time and place - helping children see not just what happened, but where and when it all unfolded.
An accessible introduction to evolution, this book explains complex concepts in a way that's easy for young readers to understand.
An epic visual timeline of Earth’s living history, this stunning book traces the rise and fall of ancient species through fossils, evolution, and the dramatic changes that shaped our planet’s past.
With 50 exceptional titles, this curated collection offers homeschool families a rich, diverse foundation for any subject.
These books make learning tactile, visual, and deeply memorable - everything homeschoolers hope to achieve.
Whether your child is fascinated by bugs, obsessed with space, or curious about cultures, there’s a non-fiction book here to spark that flame of lifelong learning.
Bringing Non-Fiction to Life with Charlotte Mason-Inspired Learning
To help you get even more out of these books, here are a few living book-style pairings and nature-inspired prompts you can weave into your homeschool rhythm, and some suggested mini unit study packs.
These suggestions turn ordinary reading time into meaningful, hands-on learning experiences:
🌿 Nature & Animals
Non-fiction book idea: The Big Book of Bugs by Yuval Zommer
Living book-style pairing: Read alongside Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects
Nature study prompt: Go on a 'bug hunt' in your backyard or local park. Bring sketchbooks and magnifying glasses. Encourage your child to draw and label what they see. Then narrate what they’ve learned about one insect in their own words.
🌌 Space & Astronomy
Non-fiction book idea: Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space by Dr. Dominic Walliman
Living book-style pairing: Pair with The Stars: A New Way to See Them by H.A. Rey (a beautiful living book!)
Hands-on extension: Set up a stargazing evening. Bring blankets and binoculars, and identify constellations. Keep a 'Night Sky Journal' where your child draws what they observe and writes a few sentences or narrates it aloud.
🌱 Human Body & Health
Non-fiction book idea: Look Inside Your Body by Usborne
Living book-style pairing: Combine with The Way We Work by David Macaulay (narrative-driven with incredible illustrations)
Activity prompt: After reading about a body system, create a fun model using craft supplies - build a working “lung” with a balloon and plastic bottle, or draw a full-body anatomy poster.
🌍 Geography & World Cultures
Non-fiction book idea: Children Just Like Me by DK
Living book-style pairing: Add Material World, What the World Eats or A Life Like Mine to expand global awareness
Living extension: Choose one country per week. Cook a meal from that culture, listen to its traditional music, and place a sticker or flag on a world map. Then narrate what was most surprising or interesting about that culture.
🧪 Science & Invention
Non-fiction book idea: Women in Science by Rachel Ignotofsky
Living book-style pairing: Pair with The Story of Inventions by Frank P. Bachman or The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (young readers edition)
Project prompt: Choose one inventor or scientist to "interview"—have your child pretend to be that person and give a short presentation or drawing of their invention, complete with a fun costume if they like!
🦁 Nature & Animals
Non-fiction book idea: Animalium by Jenny Broom
Living book-style pairing: Read alongside The Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock
Nature study prompt: Choose one animal family from Animalium (e.g., birds or mammals). Head to a local zoo, park, or nature reserve to observe a real-life example. Sketch the animal, then write a short nature journal entry describing its habitat, behavior, and appearance.
🌍 Earth & Geology
Non-fiction book idea: The Street Beneath My Feet by Charlotte Guillain
Living book-style pairing: Pair with The Planet Earth/Inside Out by Gail Gibbons
Nature study prompt: Take a walk around your neighborhood or yard and notice what’s underfoot - soil, rocks, roots, insects. Use a trowel or small shovel to dig a little and examine the layers. Create a soil profile drawing and label the different parts (topsoil, subsoil, bedrock).
🗺️ Geography & World Cultures
Non-fiction book idea: Maps by Aleksandra Mizielińska and Daniel Mizieliński
Living book-style pairing: Pair with A Child’s Geography by Ann Voskamp
Cultural study prompt: Pick a country from Maps and explore it in a hands-on way: cook a traditional recipe, find it on a globe, and create a country fact sheet with the flag, major landmarks, language, and a fun fact or two. Narrate the experience aloud or write a postcard from that country.
🍃 Nature & Anatomy
Non-fiction book idea: Nature Anatomy by Julia Rothman
Living book-style pairing: Pair with Keeping a Nature Journal by Clare Walker Leslie
Nature study prompt: Choose a topic from Nature Anatomy - like leaves, feathers, or clouds - and go explore it in person. Bring along your own nature journal and art supplies. Encourage your child to draw what they observe and write a few descriptive sentences. Add pressed leaves or real-world samples if possible.
🌳 Ecosystems & Curiosity
Non-fiction book idea: Curiositree: Natural World by Amanda Wood and Mike Jolley
Living book-style pairing: Pair with Pagoo by Holling C. Holling (for marine life) or Tree in the Trail (for ecosystems)
Nature study prompt: Pick one ecosystem from the book (e.g., forest, desert, ocean) and recreate it in a diorama or on a poster board. Include plant life, animals, climate, and a food chain. Discuss how all the parts work together, and have your child narrate how they would survive in that environment.
🌱 Seeds & Botany
Non-fiction book idea: A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Hutts Aston
Living book-style pairing: Read alongside The First Book of Plants by Alice Dickinson or Fabre's The Wonder Book of Plant Life
Nature study prompt: Plant a seed together (sunflower or bean seeds work great!). Keep a “seed journal” to record daily or weekly growth. Include sketches, measurements, and observations. Compare what’s happening in real life with what’s described in the book. End the study with a narrated story of the seed’s life cycle.
These simple pairings and prompts breathe life into your homeschool day without overwhelming your schedule.
Whether you’re fully committed to a Charlotte Mason approach, or just want to add a touch of wonder to your routine, combining living books with hands-on discovery makes learning truly unforgettable.
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